FIFA Soccer 2004

"I may be alone on this, but FIFA 2004 beats Pro Evolution Soccer 3 21 - 0"

I still think FIFA 2004 is better than Pro Evolution Soccer 3, even though I seem to be the only one.

Graphics - The graphics in FIFA 2004 are exceptional. Like most games they have their flaws. When I first walked out onto to pitch as England I fell off my couch when I saw David Beckham. Most of the top players look exactly like their real life counterparts. Although the players in the MSL and other non-european leagues aren't top notch. The stadiums are beautiful, and the crowd is the best I've seen in any soccer game. FIFA would have to take out the graphics award. Although there are some minor glitches like wehn you do a throw in, you can sometimes see through the player, but nothing major. 10/10

Sound - The crowd noise is a nice feature which both games have, but the commentary in FIFA (John Motson and Ally Mcoist) is awesome, although after a while they start to get repetetive. FIFA would still be ahead. 8/10

Gameplay - Nearly everyone I have talked to think PES3 is the best football game their is, running smoothly all around, but from what I have played, when you run with the ball and try to turn, it's all jumpy, but in FIFA it feels much smoother. FIFA though has some flaws, scoring from outside the penalty box is far too easy, and it's very hard to run with the ball for very long, although the added tricks to get past defenders is a nice touch. ALso the off-the-ball control is INCREDIBLE. At first it's a bit difficult to control 2 players at once, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be scoring beautiful creative goals, and you'll never have the problem of scoring the smae types of goals, like in previous FIFA titles. 9/10

Life-span - Career mode takes a while to finish, usually 5 seasons, after that you'll only want to do it maybe one more time, or challenge yourself with lower division teams and work your way through divisions, but it depends on the player. Multiplayer will add hours of fun as will the online component off the game. Although you can only play in leagues, their are no international tournaments which is a bit of a disappointment. I'd say 9/10, again, it depends on the player.

Re-playabilty - As I said before, you will only want to do carrer a couple of times, although the different difficulties will add more time. I you have lots of friends multiplayer will be much more fun, and you'll spend days, and nights on end playing. 8/10 for career but multiplayer will give you hours. I haven't tried online yet.

Overall - I think FIFA is by far a better football game then PES3, i would only give that a 7/10. but FIFA 2004, i gave a 9/10

Buy or Rent - I would say buy if you like soccer or just multiplayer games, but if your not sure rent or pick up a demo somewhere, and also try out PES3, many people say it creams FIFA 2004, but i don't think so.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/19/04